Question 1

How do you authenticate an antiquarian book before purchase?

Accepted Answer

Every La Librairie Antique listing explicitly mentions the first edition status (E.O. or 1st edition), print run, publication date (colophon), binding type (leather, parchment, gilding), format (12mo, folio, etc.), and detailed condition (foxing, dampstains, repairs if any). We provide multiple high-resolution photos. For items above 500 EUR, a provenance certificate is included when available.

Question 2

Do you ship to the United States? Will I pay import duties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Antiquarian books ship duty-free to the USA under HTS code 9903.01.31 ("informational materials" exception, still valid after the August 2025 de-minimis suspension). Delivery: 7-12 days via Colissimo International tracked, 3-5 days via DHL Express. State sales tax may apply depending on your state (typically 0-9%).

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept from international buyers?

Accepted Answer

All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB), PayPal with Buyer Protection (recommended for non-EU customers), SEPA bank transfer for Europe, and SWIFT international wire for orders above 2000 EUR. Stripe-secured checkout (PCI-DSS Level 1).

Question 4

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

30-day return window for international buyers. Full refund (including return shipping) if the book does not match our description. Convenience returns: buyer covers return postage, refund issued upon receipt of the book in its original condition.

Question 5

How can I verify a first edition?

Accepted Answer

A first edition (often abbreviated E.O. in French) is the first published version of a work. Identifiers: print run statement at the front/back, colophon date, paper and format specifications, reference bibliographies (Vicaire, Carteret for French literature, Sadleir for 19th century English literature). Every listing mentions first edition status explicitly when applicable.

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Livres anciens, de collection

Early Printing in Orléans 1884❦ Orléans LES DEBUTS DE L’IMPRIMERIE A ORLEANS 1884

Rimbaud’s life and legacy❦ RIMBAUD ARNOULT PIERRE RIMBAUD S.P.

Rural Alsatian homes and crafts❦ Alsace Klein Arts et Traditions Populaires d’Alsace. La maison rurale

1895 geography textbook on the five continents❦ Géographie TROISIEME ANNEE DE GEOGRAPHIE. LES CINQ PARTIES DU MONDE 1895

The Laggards: A 1923 Novel❦ LADOUE Les Attardés. Roman 1923 1/15

French antique beds and daybeds❦ Lits de repos et lits

The Marriage of Figaro by Beaumarchais❦ DE BEAUMARCHAIS CARON LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO

Montmartre melodies in Les Linottes❦ COURTELINE LES LINOTTES – LIEDS DE MONTMARTRE ill-Oberlé

Officers of the Marine Troops in Canada (1683–1760)❦ Canada FOURNIER Les officiers des troupes de la marine au Canada. 1683-1760

André Malraux: Cahiers de l'Herne 43❦ André Malraux. Cahiers de l’Herne 43

Art fabrics in early 20th century France❦ tissus ROUX (Alphonse). Les Tissus d’Art. 1931

Anti-Lucretius: Poem on Natural Religion (1767)❦ POLIGNAC L’anti-Lucrèce poême sur la religion naturelle 1767

Manon at the Opéra-Comique 1927-28 Season❦ Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique saison 1927-1928 Manon

Rimbaud’s Early Poetry in Deluxe Edition❦ Rimbaud Arthur Poésies

Historical and archaeological study of Pont-Audemer arrondissement❦ Essai historique, archéologique et statistique sur l’ar. de PONT-AUDEMER 1833

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